Climber seriously injured in 20-metre fall in Tyrol

A 29-year-old local climber suffered serious injuries after falling 20 metres during a climbing tour in the Lienzer Dolomites in Tyrol on Friday, ORF reported.

The man was climbing with a 33-year-old partner from Germany in the Laserz north wall when he was unable to continue on the route’s fifth pitch. He placed two mobile protection devices, known as Friends, and signalled to his partner to lower him. The devices came loose, causing the lead climber to fall.

His partner alerted emergency services. Both climbers were rescued by an emergency medical helicopter. The 29-year-old was taken to Innsbruck University Hospital with serious back and head injuries.